Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture with thickening agent for use in a water pipe or hookah

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture for use in a water pipe or hookah, comprising a fluid containing water as well as containing glycerin and/or 1,2-propanediol and comprising at least one thickening agent, which is distributed in the fluid ( 1 ). 
     The invention also relates to the use of such a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture in a water pipe or hookah and a method for producing a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture, wherein a fluid is mixed with a thickening agent, such that it forms a mixture with the thickening agent.

The invention relates to a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture for use in awater pipe or hookah. The invention also relates to the use of such atobacco substitute-fluid mixture and a method for the production of atobacco substitute-fluid mixture.

In water pipes or hookahs, in most cases aromatized fluids are mixedwith tobacco, wherein the aromatic substances of the fluid are releasedwhen the mixture is combusted or heated. For this purpose, a fuel,frequently in the form of coal, is combusted above the mixture in orderto initiate the combustion or heating of the mixture. The smoke or vaporis then conveyed through holes which are provided in the base of areservoir to hold the mixture or, respectively in the base of the waterpipe head, through an immersion pipe and through a container filled withwater, in which the immersion pipe is immersed into the water. In thewater, various different substances are filtered out of the smoke or outof the vapor before the smoke or vapor are inhaled.

Tobacco substitutes are used in water pipes in order not to have to makeuse of tobacco, since tobacco is known to contain undesirablecontaminants and tobacco consumption is subject to various restrictionsunder the law.

DE 20 2010 009 589 U1 discloses an aromatized or vapor-emitting fluidfor use in water pipes, with which the fluid contains more than 50%1,2-propylene glycol and water. The intention is that this shouldprevent the occurrence of contaminants upon heating. For this purpose itis proposed that a porous stone be used as an absorbent substance whichcannot burn and therefore will not itself release any contaminants. Anopen-pored inorganic carrier material for this purpose is also disclosedin DE 20 2010 004 671 U1. From WO 2009/010176 A2 a tobacco substituteand a molded body are known, which comprise an air-permeable carriermaterial in which an active substance or aromatic substance is absorbedand can be conveyed along with the air flowing through it. With porousmaterials a part of the fluid is also absorbed and retained in the poresby capillary forces.

From WO 2013/007373 A1 a water pipe tobacco substitute is known, withwhich a smooth material as a closed-pore carrier is mixed with anaromatized fluid. The purpose here is to avoid a part of the fluidremaining behind in the pores of a porous carrier material. In order tobe nevertheless able to provide adequate quantities of the fluid, it isproposed that a granulation of the smooth material or a structuring ofthe surface be provided. Due to surface adhesion, with non-porouscarriers the surface of the carrier material is wetted.

A disadvantage of the previously known prior art is the fact that thegranulates or the molded body either absorb only very small quantitiesof the fluid or can only emit small quantities of the fluid. At the sametime, the tobacco substitutes can only be handled inadequately or badly,since either when filling the carrier material with the fluid or whenfilling the tobacco substitute-fluid mixtures into the reservoir of thewater pipe, or when heating the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture, agreater effort is required in comparison with the use of normal tobaccoas the carrier material.

The absorption capacity of the carrier is restricted by its surface,and, as a consequence, it has a certain smoke development or vapordevelopment and smoke intensity or vapor intensity. As the temperaturerises, the viscosity of the fluid is reduced, such that the fluidcollects in the lower region of the water pipe. Almost all commerciallyconventional water pipe heads, however, have holes beneath the fillinglevel. A problem arises from this, since the fluid flows unused down theimmersion pipe, which is also referred to as the downpipe, and is nolonger available for use, i.e. for producing the vapor or smoke. Thisfactor causes an undesirable change or reduction in the intensity of theaerosol in the inhaled vapor or smoke during the smoking time. Since thearomatized fluid represents a major cost factor for the mixture, this islikewise disadvantageous. This problem arises with all applications inwhich a fluid adheres to and/or is absorbed by a carrier.

The object of the invention therefore consists of overcoming thedisadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the intention is that atobacco substitute-fluid mixture should be found which is easy to useand easy to produce, but which at the same time as far as possibleshould not release any contaminants when heated. Preferably, it shouldbe possible to do without a carrier material, in order thereby tominimize or even prevent altogether the loss of the fluid due to thefluid flowing away.

The objects of the invention are achieved by a tobacco substitute-fluidmixture for use in a water pipe or hookah, comprising a fluid containingwater as well as containing glycerin and/or 1,2-propanediol andcomprising at least one thickening agent, which is distributed in thefluid.

The thickening agent can also be designated as a binding agent.

The glycerin, the 1,2-propanediol, or the mixture of the two substancesform, together with the water, preferably between 30% by weight and 70%by weight of the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture, and particularlypreferably between 50% by weight and 60% by weight of the tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture.

With tobacco substitute-fluid mixtures according to the invention it canbe provided that the thickening agent is inorganic.

Inorganic thickening agents have the advantage that most of them arestable at high temperatures, and also cannot burn off with the formationof volatile hydrocarbons. As a result, the thickening agent does notcontribute to the development of smoke, as a result of which the tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture, with a suitable selection of the fluid, hasfewer disadvantageous effects on health, is not classified as a smokingproduct, and is accordingly not subject to such high taxation, andconsumption is not subject to such stringent regulations.

In this case, it can be provided that the thickening agent is at least alayered silicate or SiO₂ particles or Al₂O₃ particles or metal oxideparticles or kaolin, or a mixture of these substances. The SiO₂particles are preferably hydrated.

These substances are particularly suitable, since the viscosity of thetobacco substitute-fluid mixture can be readily adjusted or can beincreased with these substances, while at the same time they arechemically inert and stable at high temperatures. These substances,moreover, in particular kaolin, are easily and economically available.

According to a preferred further embodiment of the invention, it can beprovided that the thickening agent has an average particle size of lessthan 10 μm, preferably an average particle size of less than 5 μm, andparticularly preferably an average particle size of less than 2 μm.

As average particle size, a spherically equivalent particle diameter canbe assumed with substances such as layered silicates. The tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixtures produced with these particle sizes can bedesignated as crèmes or slurries, and preferably exhibit a homogeneousconsistency, which allows them to be filled easily and conveniently intocontainers and water pipe heads.

For enjoyment-enhancing application, it can also be provided that anaromatic substance is contained in the fluid. Additionally oralternatively, it can also be provided that a psychoactive substance iscontained in the fluid, preferably nicotine and/or caffeine as apsychoactive substance is contained in the fluid.

As a result, a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture is obtained which ispleasant to consume and has the effects desired by consumers.

Preferred tobacco substitute-fluid mixtures can be characterizedaccording to the invention in that the thickening agent is chemicallyinert in respect of the fluid. It can likewise be provided, additionallyor alternatively, that the thickening agent is heat-resistant attemperatures at least up to 100° C., preferably heat-resistant attemperatures at least up to 200° C., and particularly preferablyheat-resistant at temperatures at least up to 400° C.

It is therefore ensured that the thickening agent does notdisadvantageously influence the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture, andthe smoke behavior or vapor behavior of the tobacco substitute-fluidmixture is not negatively influenced.

With a further embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed thatthe tobacco substitute-fluid mixture has at 200° C. a viscosity of atleast 0.1 N m s⁻², preferably of at least 1 N m s⁻², particularlypreferably of at least 10 N m s⁻², and most particularly preferably atleast 100 N m s⁻².

With these minimum viscosity values it can be ensured that the tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture will not, within a few minutes, for examplewithin 10 minutes, undesirably flow off through the hole in normal waterpipe heads, and therefore no longer be available for use.

With the invention it is also proposed that the fluid forms a slurrywith the thickening agent. Moreover, it can be provided, additionally oralternatively, that the thickening agent is dispersed in the fluid.

As a result, a creamy consistency of the tobacco substitute-fluidmixture can be attained which is easy to handle and easy to use.

The objects on which the present invention is based are also achieved bythe use of a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to the inventionin a water pipe or hookah.

Finally, the objects on which the invention is based are also achievedby a method for producing a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture, with whicha fluid is mixed with a thickening agent, such that it forms a mixturewith the thickening agent. The method according to the inventionproduces, in particular and preferred, a tobacco substitute-fluidmixture according to the invention, which is provided with theproperties referred to heretofore.

The invention is based on the surprising finding that it is possible, bythe use of a thickening agent, to adjust the consistency or viscosityrespectively of the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture in such a way thatthe fluid no longer runs out of the water pipe head and is therefore nolonger available for consumption, without the need for a carriermaterial to be used, which is a hindrance in use and during manufacture.At the same time, with the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according tothe invention it is also possible to do without smoking or burningcarrier materials, such that the advantages of modern tobaccosubstitutes are retained.

It has surprisingly transpired that the use of a carrier does notnecessarily incur as a precondition the emission of a vaporous fluid (orthe desired vapors). A change in the physical properties of the fluidand the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture respectively already stronglycounteracts the disadvantage of the loss of the fluid in such a way thatthe tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to the invention exhibitsan adequate viscosity such that, on heating, it does not simply flowaway through the holes in the water pipe head. This change can beincurred by the thickening agent or the binding agent respectively. Thethickening agent used is preferably chemically inert, as well asheat-resistant. Layered silicates as inorganic thickening agent areparticularly well-suited for this purpose. The crème which is formed asa result can be introduced into the reservoir of a water pipe and usedas a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture. Due to the higher viscosity ofthe crème in comparison with untreated fluid, an outflow issubstantially reduced or minimized even at higher temperatures, suchthat the product is of higher yield than all products based on surfaceadhesion. The intensity and density of the vaporous fluid which isproduced can thereby be substantially increased, without the thickeningagent carbonizing and/or burning.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained hereinafter on thebasis of a schematically represented FIGURE, but without therebyrestricting the invention. In this situation the single FIGURE shows aschematically greatly enlarged representation of a tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture according to the invention in a cross-sectionalview.

The tobacco substitute-fluid mixture includes a fluid 1 in whichparticles 2 of a thickening agent 2 or, respectively, two or moredifferent thickening agents 2 are distributed. The thickening agent 2consists of different inorganic layer silicates with an average grainsize of less than 2 μm. The fluid consists of a mixture of 5% by weightwater, 70% by weight glycerin, and 20% by weight 1,2-propanediol.Additionally included in the fluid are some 5% by weight aromatic agents4 and caffeine 6 and/or nicotine 6, which are likewise distributed inthe fluid.

The tobacco substitute-fluid mixture includes such a concentration ofparticles 2 of the thickening agent 2 that it has a viscosity of atleast 10 N m s⁻² at a temperature of 200° C. Preferably, the tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture has a viscosity of 10 N m s⁻² to 100 N m s⁻².The tobacco substitute-fluid mixture is produced in that 75% by weightglycerin, containing water, and 25% by weight 1,2-propanediol, includingthe aromatic agents 4 and/or the psychoactive substances such ascaffeine 6 or nicotine 6, are mixed. Next, the aromatic agents 4 and thecaffeine 6 and/or the nicotine 6 are mixed in. After this, kaolin ismixed into the fluid 1 produced in this way, which includes theparticles 2 of the layer silicate. As an alternative, other mixtures oflayer silicates or hydrated SiO₂ particles with an average grain size ofless than 5 μm can be added as particles.

The particles 2 of the inorganic thickening agent 2 are then intensivelymixed with the fluid 1, in order to attain a uniform distribution of theparticles 2 in the fluid 1, or, respectively, in order to attain adispersion of the particles 2 in the fluid 1.

In this case, the water from the fluid 1 is in stored in the particles 2of the layer silicate or is absorbed and bound by the layer silicates.In particular, in this case it is in the “book side borders” of theparticles 2 of the layer silicates of the kaolin that the fluid or thewater, the glycerin, and/or the 1,2-propanediol are stored. As a result,the viscosity of the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture is increased. Foran adequate viscosity it can already be sufficient if 30% by weightkaolin is mixed with 70% by weight of the fluid 1.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, aswell as in the claims, FIGURES, and exemplary embodiments, can beessential both individually as well as in any desired combination forthe realization of the invention in its different embodiments.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

-   -   1 Fluid    -   2 Particles of the thickening agent/thickening agent    -   4 Aromatic substances    -   6 Nicotine/caffeine

1. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture for use in a water pipe or hookah,comprising a fluid containing (a) water and (b) glycerin and/or1,2-propanediol, and further comprising at least one thickening agentdistributed in the fluid.
 2. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture accordingto claim 1, wherein the thickening agent is inorganic.
 3. Tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture according to claim 2, wherein the thickeningagent is at least one selected from the group consisting of a layeredsilicate, SiO₂ particles, Al₂O₃-particles, metal oxide particles,kaolin, and mixtures thereof.
 4. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixtureaccording to claim 1, wherein the thickening agent exhibits an averageparticle size of less than 10 μm.
 5. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixtureaccording to claim 1, wherein an aromatic agent and/or a psychoactivesubstance is contained in the fluid.
 6. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixtureaccording to claim 1, wherein the thickening agent is chemically inertin respect to the fluid and/or heat resistant at temperatures of up to100° C.
 7. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to claim 1,wherein the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture has at 200° C. a viscosityof at least 0.1 N m s⁻².
 8. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture accordingto claim 1, wherein the fluid forms a slurry with the thickening agentand/or the thickening agent is dispersed in the fluid.
 9. A water pipeor hookah containing a tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according toclaim
 1. 10. Method for producing a tobacco substitute-fluid mixtureaccording to claim 1, comprising mixing a fluid with a thickening agentto form a mixture of the fluid with the thickening agent, wherein thefluid contains (a) water and (b) glycerin and/or 1,2-propanediol. 11.Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to claim 4, wherein thethickening agent exhibits an average particle size of less than 5 μm.12. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to claim 4, wherein thethickening agent exhibits an average particle size of less than 2 μm.13. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to claim 5, whereinnicotine and/or caffeine is contained in the fluid.
 14. Tobaccosubstitute-fluid mixture according to claim 6, wherein the thickeningagent is chemically inert in respect to the fluid and/or heat resistantat temperatures of up to 200° C.
 15. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixtureaccording to claim 6, wherein the thickening agent is chemically inertin respect to the fluid and/or heat resistant at temperatures of up to400° C.
 16. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according to claim 7,wherein the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture has at 200° C. a viscosityof at least 1 N m s⁻².
 17. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixture according toclaim 7, wherein the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture has at 200° C. aviscosity of at least 10 N m s⁻².
 18. Tobacco substitute-fluid mixtureaccording to claim 7, wherein the tobacco substitute-fluid mixture hasat 200° C. a viscosity of at least 100 N m s⁻².